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The new Macs will not run on Linux, only on macOS and Windows 10

The Cupertino-based company recently unveiled the new generation of Mac computers and the new Apple T2 Security Chip. It is a co-processor responsible for powering security features, including Touch ID. Even if Apples stays mum about it, this chip enables the secure boot on Apple’s new laptops, and it sets restrictions for installing Linux.So, we will not be able to install Linux distros on latest-gen Mac laptops.

As we said above, the new Apple T2 security chip, which is featured on Apple’s next-gen laptops, blocks Linux from booting by default. With this new hardware setup, only macOS and Windows 10 are allowed to boot as OS. However, users are allowed to disable secure boot, which basically should avoid performing additional checks at boot, opening the door to unsupported OS like Linux. As of now, disabling secure boot does not change anything: Linux cannot be booted.

Is this a bug? The new Macs will not run on Linux, only on macOS and Windows 10

Even by following Apple’s instructions, which are found on the support webpage, it is impossible to boot Linux. On a technical level, Apple’s next-gen laptops should run Linux seamlessly. It is impossible to boot the laptop with a distro, and it might be due to the lack of a certificate. As of now, Apple has not addressed the issue yet. If this is an error, an update should provide the missing certificate so it is possible to run Linux after disabling secure boot.

Right now, those who preordered a next-gen MacBook Air will not be able to boot Linux. Other laptops like the MacBook Pro 2018 and the iMac Pro have the same security chip mentioned above.